PHYTOCHEMICAL STUDIES ON PITHECELLOBIUM DULCE BENTH. A MEDICINAL PLANT OF SINDH, PAKISTAN

In the present study, the seed extracts of Pithecellobium dulce Benth. was subjected for fatty acid analysis and 9 saturated and 17 unsaturated fatty acids were identified by (GC MS). Moreover, some essential and toxic elements (e. g. As, Cu, Cd, Fe, K, Mg, Na, Pb & Zn) were also measured in different concentrations (Zn & K being the highest (26.89 mg/kg) and Pb (0.19mg/kg) & As (17.6 mu g/kg) were the lowest in concentrations) justifying its medicinal applications. Total protein contents analyzed in different parts of P. dulce was highest in seeds ranging from 50.3-67.1%, stems 15.7%, roots 10.6%, leaves 13.7%, flowers 14.8%, and in fruits 10.50% as established by kjeldhal method. P. dulce plant was found to be a rich source of proteins, fatty acids and essential elements particularly seeds and can be exploited for human and animal consumptions.